about the studio

Aniyah Jones

Creator

Hi! My name is Aniyah Jones, and I am a student at Syracuse University studying Psychology, Digital Humanities, and English & Textual Studies.

I created The Digital Self Studio as part of my senior capstone project, where I wanted to combine my interests in mental health, media, and digital culture. Throughout my coursework, I became increasingly interested in how young people interact with social media—not just how often they use it, but how it shapes the way they think, feel, and understand themselves.

As someone who has grown up using these platforms, I’ve also experienced firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the digital world can feel. This project is both academic and personal—it reflects what I’ve learned through research, as well as what I’ve observed in everyday digital life.

Purpose

Today, young people are growing up in a world where digital platforms are a constant part of daily life. From watching videos to communicating with friends, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube shape how people spend their time, express themselves, and understand the world around them.

However, most users are not taught how these platforms actually work.

Many people think their feeds are random, neutral, or simply based on what’s “popular.” In reality, platforms are complex systems that:

  • track behavior
  • personalize content
  • influence attention and interaction

This project was created in response to that gap.

Benefits

Build Digital Awareness

Users learn that their online experience is not random, but shaped by systems and behavior.

Strengthen Critical Thinking

Activities encourage users to question:

  • why they are seeing certain content
  • what might be missing
  • how platforms influence perception

Support Self Reflection

The toolkit helps users think about:

  • their digital identity
  • how they present themselves online
  • how content affects their emotions

Encourage Healthier Digital Habits

By understanding how platforms work, users can make more intentional choices about how they engage with them.

limitations

has not been tested

While research-informed, this project has not yet been tested with students.

ongoing changes

Digital platforms are constantly evolving. Features, algorithms, and trends may change over time, meaning this toolkit reflects a current—but not permanent—understanding.

not one size fits all

People use platforms differently, so the impact of social media can vary from person to person.

simplified explanations

The content is written for middle school audiences (ages 11–13), which means complex systems like algorithms and platform design are simplified.

Beyond the Studio

The Digital Self Studio is a starting point—not a final answer.

As platforms continue to grow and change, so should the way we understand and use them. Future versions of this project could include:

  • more interactive tools
  • updated platform features
  • expanded research on digital behavior

Social media is not going away.

The goal is not to avoid it—but to understand it.

When you understand how platforms work, you gain the ability to think more clearly, engage more intentionally, and take control of your digital experience.

Create Your Own Website With Webador